Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• AI art of the week

• Upcoming New York Yankees home games

• A deep dive into the life of Isaac Bashevis

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Every villain is a hero in his own mind.”

― Tom Hiddleston

New York City Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In which New York City borough is Coney Island, famous for its amusement parks and beach, located?

A) Manhattan

B) Brooklyn

C) Queens

D) The Bronx

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous New York City building known for its annual lighting in different colors is C) The Empire State Building.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Scottish university sells New York campus to business school. (link)

Burger King temporarily closed restaurant over blood in meal claims. (link)

🏦Finance

New York Dairy Cooperative Plans New $150 Million Expansion. (link)

🏒Sports

Aaron Robinson runs out of time with the New York Giants. (link)

New York Jets Star Player Named Biggest Wild Card of Training Camp. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Friday August 9 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

⚾ New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Saturday August 10 | 1:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Melvin Seals & JGB
Sony Hall 235 W 46th St New York,
Friday August 9 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 The Juliana Theory
Racket NYC New York, NY
Saturday August 10 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🧩 Summer Kids: Snapology
Gantry Plaza State Park Center Blvd. & 47th Rd Long Island City, NY
Sunday, August 11 · 10 - 11am EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic New York City with advanced weather control systems.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

New York City History

1894: The first Labor Day parade.

In 1894, New York City hosted its first official Labor Day parade, celebrating the achievements and contributions of American workers. The parade, held on September 3, 1894, was organized by labor unions and workers' groups to honor the labor movement's efforts in securing better working conditions, fair wages, and the eight-hour workday. This event followed the federal recognition of Labor Day as a national holiday earlier that year, signed into law by President Grover Cleveland.

The inaugural Labor Day parade in New York City featured thousands of workers from various trades and industries, marching through the streets with banners and signs advocating for workers' rights and solidarity. The parade route took participants through key areas of Manhattan, culminating in festivities that included speeches, music, and gatherings in public parks. The event was a powerful demonstration of the unity and strength of the labor movement.

The 1894 parade set the tone for future Labor Day celebrations, establishing traditions that continue to this day. It highlighted the importance of labor unions in shaping American society and improving the lives of workers. The parade also served as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for labor rights and the need for continued advocacy and solidarity among workers. Labor Day has since become an enduring symbol of the contributions of American workers and the labor movement's impact on the nation's history.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Isaac Bashevis Singer (1902–1991): Polish-born Jewish writer and Nobel Prize laureate.

Early Life and Education (1902–1935)

Isaac Bashevis Singer was born on November 21, 1902, in Leoncin, Poland, then part of the Russian Empire. Raised in a devout Jewish family, his father was a rabbi and his mother a rabbi’s daughter, which steeped Singer in the rich traditions of Jewish folklore and storytelling. His early education was deeply influenced by his religious upbringing, and he initially pursued rabbinical studies. However, Singer's true passion lay in literature, and he began writing in Yiddish, the language that would become his literary hallmark.

Immigration to the United States and Early Career (1935–1940)

Fleeing the growing anti-Semitic tensions in Europe, Singer immigrated to the United States in 1935, settling in New York City. He joined his brother, Israel Joshua Singer, also a notable writer, in the bustling Jewish literary scene of New York. Singer began working for The Forward, a leading Yiddish-language newspaper, where he wrote short stories, serialized novels, and essays. His early works in America, such as ""Satan in Goray"" (1935), began to garner attention for their vivid portrayal of Jewish life and the supernatural.

Rise to Literary Prominence (1941–1969)

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Singer's reputation as a writer grew steadily. His stories often explored themes of faith, mysticism, and the struggles of the Jewish diaspora. Works like ""The Family Moskat"" (1950) and ""Gimpel the Fool"" (1953) showcased his talent for blending realism with folklore. Singer's unique voice and narrative style earned him a loyal readership and critical acclaim. His contributions to Yiddish literature were significant, as he preserved the language and culture through his compelling stories.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

New York City was central to Isaac Bashevis Singer's life and career. The city's vibrant Jewish community provided him with a rich cultural environment that fueled his literary work. Singer lived in various neighborhoods, including the Upper West Side and the Bronx, drawing inspiration from the diverse stories and characters he encountered. His involvement with The Forward and other Yiddish publications in New York helped him maintain a strong connection to his cultural roots while reaching a broader audience.

Nobel Prize and Later Works (1970–1989)

In 1978, Singer was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognizing his achievements in creating a rich literary heritage in Yiddish. The Nobel Committee praised him for his ""impassioned narrative art which, with roots in a Polish-Jewish cultural tradition, brings universal human conditions to life."" This honor solidified Singer's status as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. In his later years, Singer continued to write prolifically, producing works like ""Shosha"" (1978) and ""The Penitent"" (1983), which further explored the themes of faith and identity.

Legacy and Influence (1991–Present)

Isaac Bashevis Singer passed away on July 24, 1991, but his legacy endures through his extensive body of work. His stories have been translated into numerous languages, allowing readers worldwide to appreciate his unique blend of Jewish folklore, mysticism, and humanism. Singer's contributions to literature have been celebrated through various honors, including the establishment of the Isaac Bashevis Singer Medal by the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. His works continue to be studied and cherished, ensuring that his voice remains an integral part of the literary canon.

Key Achievements:

• Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1978 for his contributions to Yiddish literature.

• Authored numerous acclaimed works, including ""The Family Moskat"" and ""Gimpel the Fool.""

• Played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Jewish culture and Yiddish language through his writing.

Isaac Bashevis Singer's journey from Poland to New York City and his rise as a Nobel Prize-winning author highlight his extraordinary contributions to literature. His connection to New York provided a fertile ground for his creativity, allowing him to craft stories that resonated with readers worldwide. Singer's legacy as a master storyteller and his dedication to preserving Jewish culture and the Yiddish language ensure his enduring impact on the literary world.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen